MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

We were back at the Medicine Hat Lodge for today’s noon meeting. The focus of the meeting? A review of the “Why Rotary” event, held on Wednesday 24 April. Out of the 96 registered for the event, 81 attended.

 

President Bruce Shepard was at the helm, assisted by President Elect, Mike Christie.

 

 

Lionel Brideson and Shirley Greenfield were introduced by Anne Carrier and warmly welcomed by all. They were Anne’s guests at the aforementioned event.

 

The review focused on three questions: What worked well? What did not go so well? What do we need to do differently if there is another event of this nature?

 

 

The positives were numerous, including:

• The great job done by Anne Carrier and Terry Brekko at the reception table. Mike Christie complimented Anne on her paper work – number present etc.
• The four clubs attending was a big plus, three of them having a slot on the program
• The rendition of ‘O Canada’ was appreciated – no negative comments picked up
• The flow and content of the program, the presentations each being kept short, and the whole formal “meeting” contained to one hour. A shout-out to Melanie Harty who made a great presentation, in spite of being up to her eyes and ears in tax related work at her accounting firm!
• Interesting, informative, welcoming, a good idea (this feedback was contributed by guest Shirley Greenfield)
• It was a social event which partners could attend, as is often requested
• Excellent venue, sound system, table size and arrangement
• Stan Sakamoto did a great job of the layout of the venue and the delicious food
• Mike Christie was complimented on his ability to bring humour into the program, adding a light touch
• It was a good idea to invite our District Governor, whose passion for Rotary came across clearly
• The table arrangement at the back was a good idea, exhibiting, amongst other things, numerous photos via the photo frames (thank you, Kitt Brand), Rotary Music Festival testimonials with photos, and gator boarded copies of the Medicine Hat News monthly Rotary articles
• Dale Stein’s assistance was appreciated, managing the slide progression of different presentations
• Those who assisted with the setting up of the venue and the clearing up at the end, were appreciated
• The timing of the event was good – in April and from 6:30 – 09:30
• The lucky draws and prizes were a nice touch
• The entertainment provided by the Rotary Music Festival participants and the musician was greatly appreciated.

What did not go so well?

• The reception area was congested, the hold-up mainly due to some Rotarians not having paid their $30 beforehand. Payment on the night complicated matters
• Dale Stein needed a script for the presenters whose slides he managed - and the PowerPoint slides arranged in the correct order
• Some members somehow missed the fact that this was a social event to which partners/spouses could be invited. This needs to be emphasized very clearly another time.
• A member said his table had not been able to hear the Rotary Music Festival musician(s) playing. It was pointed out that they provided background music, not performances

 

Recommendations and considerations

• “Why Rotary 2” next year? Yes!
• Ways and means will be planned to speed up the reception/entrance of attendees. Perhaps all should have paid and be able to present tickets on arrival (no cash payments holding things up at reception)?
• Program: consider 4 speakers, one from each club?
• There needs to be a discussion about the management of PowerPoint slides: to be managed by the presenter or by an assistant?
• Consider making it a Rotary in Medicine Hat event, with the other clubs involved in the planning
• If a RI video is included in the program, there needs to be a WiFi connection
• The gator boarded copies of the Rotary articles in the Medicine Hat News were great – and cost a sum. Ways and means need to be devised to display them, as opposed to just packing them away in the storeroom between events
• We need to be more open with and in the public about what Rotary does
• The cost and food offered, need discussion
• Rotary 5360 District insurance covers events like this. No need for additional coverage bought by our Club
• Two queues for food to speed things up?
• Timing for the different parts of the evening could be clarified with all.

In wrapping up the review…

This was a great event, to be repeated in 2025. Time will tell how many of event guests join Rotary… but we are hopeful!

 

A special aspect on which many commented, was the inclusion and participation of different generations – thanks to the Interactors and the Rotary Music Festival participants.

 

President Bruce thanked the Events Committee - Mike Christie, Peter Mueller and Stan Sakamoto – and all club members, for their contribution to the WHY ROTARY event, President Bruce’s brainchild, as a follow-up to the successful Rotary Club of Medicine Hat Gala of several years ago.

 

Rotary Club "What-z New":

• A few more meeting helpers are required to run cameras and sound during our hybrid meetings. Anyone wishing to help should contact Mike Christie 403 878 3311. 

• Please continue to assist your 'team captains' and please also work in other areas of club activity, as you are able.
• NEW DEVELOPMENT! Please have a look on ClubRunner in the Committee section. You should find your name on one of the committee member lists, as per your choice(s). If not, please contact President Bruce.

• Housekeeping:
  • If you have a Meeting Minute, please phone, text or email the President and it will be included in the next Newsletter.
  • Board minutes can be found on ClubRunner, under Club Documents.

Rotary District 5360 and Rotary International News

RI CONVENTION 2025 IN CALGARY

• The RI Convention was last held in Calgary in 1996. It’s going to be back in Calgary again in 2025.
• DG Kurt Kowalchuk (email dated June 19) is calling for committee members, in particular but not exclusively, for the Sponsorship & Revenue committee, and the House of Friendship committee
• If you are interested in volunteering, contact Host Organizing Committee secretary, Luanne Whitmarsh (l.whitmarsh@shaw.ca)
• This convention is going to be done in a way that will be transformational for Rotary in our District
• PDG Sandy McKay has volunteered to be the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat's representative on the RI Host Committee.

Other District news

• The annual District 5360 AGM will be held on May 13th at 7:00 pm.  Our club is normally officially represented by the President-elect and another member of the executive, but any Rotarian may attend.  It is a ZOOM meeting, so no travel required.  Go into the District 5360 website and click on events, AGM, and register.
• The 2024 District Conference. HAVE YOU REGISTERED?? Register online at https://www.discon5360.ca . The 2024 District Conference will be in Drumheller on May 4 and 5.  Who will be attending? Because of the 2025 RI Convention in Calgary, there will likely be no local conference in 2025 and the next District Conference will be May 2026 in Red Deer.

 

Ideas for Future Programs